35th Icicle Balloon Meet
The 35th International Icicle Meet, organised by members of the Dante Balloon Group, took place over the weekend 6th – 7th January Flying from Warren Farm near Hungerford with the Social events and Memorabilia Trade Stands based at the Hilton Hotel, Swindon.
Unfortunately in the preceding week the New Year weather had delivered a substantial amount of rain, which meant that the launch field was rather wet and somewhat muddy. None the less seven balloons flew, or hopped across the field, on the Saturday and a number of Toy Balloons were also inflated including the first Lilliput Special-shape Balloon (G-GRWL).
2007 also saw Mark Pacan finally complete his 2000 balloon painting. Mark saw this painting as a two-year project taking an estimated 2000 hours to complete and a celebration of hot air ballooning for the New Millennium.
At the annual dinner held on the Saturday evening Mark was guest speaker following which he raffled his 2000 balloons painting and at prize giving on the Sunday Pete Bish invited Mark to present the framed painting to the raffle winner - Vic Trimble.
Other Prize-winners were:
Chequers Trophy (for the Longest Flight) – Gary Davies
Veuve Cliquot Cup (for the Pilot to travel furthest with a Balloon to attend the Icicle) – Martin Read
Gemini Trophy (for oldest balloon to attend) – Richard Parry with G-SMIG (San Miguel)
Marsh Benham Trophy went to Celia Kunert for her work in organising the Hotel and Trade Stands
Aim High Trophy (for the smartest balloon) – Austin Heginbottom
Norman Betts Trophy (for the newest Pilot at the Icicle) - Austin Heginbottom
Images from the 35th Icicle Balloon Meet 2007
© All images Flycam BMSS Ltd
